THREE

Black Chrysalis

Lexia woke the next morning, squeezing her pillow. She couldn’t wait to sleep an entire night in Axis’ bed. Truth be told, it was the primary reason she wanted to marry him. To sleep in his arms and feel his even breathing through his broad chest. She hated the laws preventing them from doing so before marriage, including the ones about children. As in, it wasn’t permitted without Snow’s officiation. But enough with the negative thoughts.

It was the big day, and Lexia found herself looking forward to the ball. Yes, some part of her hoped Axis would propose, but less so than their last date night. It was an extremely crowded venue, and therefore less likely to be the place.

But a girl could dream.

Especially as Lexia snuggled into a sweater she’d stolen from Axis. The sophisticated woodsy scent of him lingered in the cotton, and she cherished it.

A knock sounded from beyond her sitting room, interrupting the cozy moment. The seamstress’ voice carried through the oak door. “Miss? It’s time.”

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Lexia blew the air from her cheeks, fluffing her bangs. Would it seriously take all day to fit her into the dress? She said, “I’ll be right there.” It surprised her to find a handful of servants waiting outside her door, arms full of supplies, and two of them had thought to bring Lexia’s breakfast. “I take it we’ll be at this a while?”

Three set her down at her vanity and attacked her hair immediately. Two set down kits and went about her makeup. And the others laid out fabric in striking colors and luxurious materials, prepared for phase II. Lexia had never felt so fussed over.

But four hours later, as the entire picture was coming together, Lexia was near tears. She said, “Thank you for all the thought you’ve put into this.”

“Don’t ruin your makeup, miss,” one tutted at her.

Lexia peered over at the sweater laid out on her made bed and imagined Axis’ reaction to her appearance tonight. Perhaps today was finally the day. It certainly wouldn’t be a waste of all this hard work.

“Lexia?” Her father was at the door.

Lexia said, “Don’t come in! You’ll spoil the reveal.”

She could hear his chuckle on the other side. “Very well, dear. I suppose you won’t join me for the drive over?”

“Go ahead, father. I want to make my own entrance.”

“To Axis’ delight I’m sure. Rhyme will be waiting for you.”

When Lexia stuck her tongue out at the mention of her bodyguard, the ladies and gentlemen in the room fussing over her broke into giggles and chuckles. She said, “Sorry. I know that’s not very mature of me.”

“It’s why we love you, dear.”

Lexia beamed for a moment before a thought made her frown. Tonight, she would meet Gauge Snow for the first time since they were children. The thought made her glance at her desk drawer, where memories waited inside. The Count of Copper.

This would make for one hell of a first impression.